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In a significant crackdown on prostitution-related activities in Portland, Oregon, police revealed on Thursday that they recovered at least six underage girls in a comprehensive operation last month.
The Portland Police Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), alongside the East Precinct, spearheaded this initiative beginning April 15. The girls, ranging in age from 13 to 17, were rescued as a result of these targeted efforts.
For years, Southeast Portland’s 82nd Avenue corridor has been notoriously afflicted by sex trafficking and prostitution. However, last month’s operation brought to light what authorities described as “a stunning number” of young victims, far surpassing typical expectations.
Officials remarked, “While HTU members often rescue individuals from traffickers, encountering so many children within such a brief period is unusual. It remains uncertain whether this surge is the start of a new trend or merely an outlier.”
Portland Police officers were captured attending a crime scene on June 25, 2021. (Portland Police Bureau)
The girls were connected with advocacy services through Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Victim Services, as well as Safety Compass, which provides support for people under 25 who identify as survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) is also helping facilitate reunification with out-of-state parents or arranging placement into care.
Empty streets are seen in downtown Portland, Oregon, on April 22, 2020. (Moriah Ratner/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Authorities said human trafficking cases often involve victims who may be reluctant to report crimes or move forward through the criminal justice system due to factors such as trauma bonds, repeated exposure to abuse and fear of retaliation.
To help survivors recover, the HTU said it uses a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach when working with victims.
A Portland Police vehicle is parked near a recreational area. (Portland Police Department)
Investigators are continuing to build cases against the alleged traffickers and sex buyers and have not released any names.
Police added that it considers identifying and protecting trafficking victims a top priority, emphasizing proactive investigations and close coordination with partners such as the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office (MCDA) to hold offenders accountable.